Hadn't seen these before. Always like to share finds that are clear and large.
Hadn't seen these before. Always like to share finds that are clear and large.
"Wars are, of course, as a rule to be avoided; but they are far better than certain kinds of peace." - T.R.
Great photos. The 1st one is 1902-1911. Anyone notice that my mannequin in this earlier thread titled "Two very early 1903 rifles", on pg 3, has the same equipment on it as the two guys in the 1st photo. The only difference is mine has the 1902 over blouse and in above photo they have the 1902 shirts. All the other equipment is exactly the same type as on my mannequin.
Just thought I'd mention that, [IMG][/IMG]...Ray
Last edited by rayg; 01-01-2015 at 01:29.
Excellent...really appreciate those pictures and thanks for posting!
The second photo reminds me of a scene in Abbot and Costello's Buck Privates
"N.G." written by hand on the edge of the photo suggests "National Guard." This goes a long way in explaining the uncanny resemblance to Abbot & Costello antics. Oops. I'm sure I offended someone.
"Wars are, of course, as a rule to be avoided; but they are far better than certain kinds of peace." - T.R.
Based on the rifles in the first pictures, some time in the 1905 to 1910 period. The left sides have "straight edges" and there are no stock bolts. No Springfields issued in the 1902-1904 period like that.
"We make men without chests and expect from them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst."
--C.S. Lewis
Somewhere I've seen a photo of national guardsmen in Alaska posing in a group with 1903 Rod Bayonet rifles. It was in 1904 I believe. Wish I could find it again.
You're right, I was focusing on just a general dating. And if you want to be specific, the shirt and shoes are 1902 pattern, the campaign hat is a 1902 to 1911 pattern, The Marines wore that style of hat until their 1914 hat was adopted. The rifles as you say are 1905-1910 and probably more like 1905-1908 as the stock bolts started to be added about 1908. The bayonet and scabbard and the canteens are 1905 -1910 pattern, the cartridge belt and suspenders are 1903 pattern, the leggings are 1907 pattern. Keeping in mind my estimate of the photo was based on just a general dating of the items but also keeping in mind that they may have also been worn well post 1910 by many state and guard units and as well as the Marines. Ray
Last edited by rayg; 01-01-2015 at 10:40.
"We make men without chests and expect from them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst."
--C.S. Lewis
This is still one of my favorite pictures, taken at Fort Casey WA (where I give tours during the summer). Very detailed look at an early M1903. Note the "customized" shirt worn by the soldier in front.
A closeup of the rifle:
"We make men without chests and expect from them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst."
--C.S. Lewis